Dermatomyositis |
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Dermatomyositis is one of a group of acquired muscle diseases called inflammatory myopathies. The disease, which has a somewhat severe onset, affects both children and adults. Females are more often affected than males. Dermatomyositis is characterized by a rash accompanying, or more often, preceding muscle weakness. The rash looks like patchy, bluish-purple discolorations on the face, neck, shoulders, upper chest, elbows, knees, knuckles, and back.
X-Ray of the knee in a patient with dermatomyositis. Dermatomyositis is ...
From the WEST scientific·clinical |
From the EAST traditional·alternative |
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Prescribing a steroid drug, such as prednisone, is usually the first line of treatment. Immunosuppressants, such as azathioprine and methotrexate, may help those for whom prednisone is ineffective. Further treatment with intravenous immunoglobulin was shown to be effective and safe.
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Physical therapy is usually recommended to preserve muscle function and prevent muscle wasting.
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Dermatomyositis Symptoms1-2 of 4 more...
Signs and symptoms
... The most common signs and symptoms of dermatomyositis include: A violet-colored or dusky red rash, most commonly on your face, eyelids, and areas around your nails, knuckles, elbows, knees, chest and ...
Source: MayoClinic
Causes ... Dermatomyositis belongs to a group of conditions called inflammatory myopathies. Myopathies are diseases or abnormal conditions of the striated muscles that cover your skeleton. The cause of most infl...
Source: MayoClinic
Dermatomyositis Treatment1-2 of 2
Complications
... If the muscles in your esophagus are affected, you may have problems swallowing (dysphagia), which in turn may cause weight loss and malnutrition. Dysphagia may also lead to entrance of food or liquid...
Source: MayoClinic
Treatment ... Although there''s no cure for dermatomyositis, treatment can improve your skin, muscle strength and function. Treatment begun early in the disease process tends to be more effective, often because the...
Source: MayoClinic
Dermatomyositis Support1 of 1
Coping skills
... Living with a chronic autoimmune disease can make you wonder at times whether you''re up to the challenge. Though it isn''t always easy, you''re tougher than you may think. To help you cope, try suppl...
Source: MayoClinic
Dermatomyositis Other1-2 of 4 more...
Inflammatory Myopathies
... Inflammatory myopathies are a group of muscle diseases that cause inflammation and degeneration of the skeletal muscle tissues. The cause of these diseases is unknown, but they are thought to be autoi...
Source: Cleveland Clinic
Dermatomyositis ... What is Dermatomyositis? Dermatomyositis is one of a group of acquired muscle diseases called inflammatory myopathies. The disease, which has a subacute (somewhat short and relatively severe) onset, a...
Source: Cleveland Clinic
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Dermatomyositis Articles
- Dermatomyositis Information Page
... Dermatomyositis is one of a group of acquired muscle diseases called inflammatory myopathies. The disease, which has a somewhat severe onset, affects both children and adults. Females are more often a...

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